Why TAFE?

Vocational education and training (VET)

The VET sector is positioned between secondary schools and universities. This sector consists of public institutes of Technical and Further Education (TAFE), and private college.

• Prepares students for employment or further study.
• Specialising in one or more areas of study related to future work such as aviation, photography, interior decorating, multimedia, hospitality management and tourism.
• Nationally-recognised, government-funded institutions.
• Offering vocational education and training over a wide range of occupations.
• Provide accredited English language training and Foundation Studies for entry into university diploma and bachelor degree courses.
• Subjected by government monitoring to ensure high standards.

TAFE offers courses including:
-agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture and food technology
-arts, media, graphic design and music
-biological and environmental sciences
-building and construction, drafting
-business studies, accounting, management, marketing, office administration
-commercial and secretarial studies
-community services and social sciences
-computing and information services
-computer systems, electrical, electronic, manufacturing, mechanical and civil engineering
-English language support
-fashion design and textile technology
-foundation studies, matriculation, library studies
-health, welfare, child care, medical and dental technology, beauty therapy
-manufacturing
-marine engineering and maritime studies
-mining
-hospitality and tourism
-transport, aviation and automotive studies

The background of TAFE students and teachers is diverse and encompasses a truly global mix. Many TAFE colleges have teachers from overseas who not only speak foreign languages but also understand the requirements of overseas students having gone through the TAFE system themselves. This makes it easier for international students to orientate themselves into the Australian TAFE system.